Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter
Closed — Closed for the winter. Reopens around April 1st.
Special Weather Statement issued March 2 at 6:01PM EST by NWS Blacksburg VA
Light icing possible along the Blue Ridge Parkway overnight. Temperatures along the Blue Ridge Parkway are in the upper 20s to around 30. This will promote icing on elevated surfaces such as tree limbs and powerlines. Slick spots may also develop on bridges where the air can pass underneath and freeze the pavement. Temperatures are expected to remain nearly steady through the overnight...hovering near or just below freezing in the higher elevations, and above freezing in the lower elevations.
About
Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter is a historic structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s, located in Jefferson National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The shelter accommodates up to 50 people and features electricity for lights and small appliances, a fireplace, eight picnic tables under the shelter with more nearby, a double pedestal grill, and a drinking fountain. Flush toilets and showers are available at the nearby beach bathhouse. The shelter sits adjacent to a 7-acre lake with a sandy beach area perfect for swimming. Fishing is available for youth ages 15 and under from April 1st through June 15th, then open to all ages with a valid Virginia fishing license for the remainder of the season. The Panther Knob Trail begins beside the shelter and circles the lake, while longer hiking opportunities include access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, James River Face Wilderness, and Thunder Ridge Wilderness. Reached via a footbridge and gravel path from the day-use parking area, the shelter is located just 20 minutes from historic Lexington and 8 miles from Natural Bridge State Park. The facility closes at dark or 9 p.m., whichever comes first, and the main gate on State Route 781 closes at 10 p.m.
Directions
From I-81 North, take Exit 175 just south of Natural Bridge. Turn left onto U.S. Highway 11 toward Natural Bridge. Follow Route 130 East for approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto State Route 781. The entrance for Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area is approximately 1.6 miles ahead on the left. Turn left into the recreation area and continue to the beach area parking. The group picnic shelter is across the footbridge to the right of the main path to the lake.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (540) 291-2188 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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